The ancestors of the McOuat family come from the ancient Scottish kingdom of Dalriada. Their surname comes from the names Wattie and Watty, both of which are pet forms of the personal nameWalter. The Gaelic form of the name is Mac Bhaididh, which translates as son of Wattie or son of Watty.

McOuat Early Origins

The surname McOuat was first found in Argyllshire (Gaelic erra Ghaidheal), the region of western Scotland corresponding roughly with the ancient Kingdom of Dál Riata, in the Strathclyde region of Scotland, now part of the Council Area of Argyll and Bute, where they held a family seat from early times and their first records appeared on the early census rolls taken by the early Kings of Scotland to determine the rate of taxation of their subjects.

McOuat Spelling Variations

McOuat Spelling Variations

Medieval spelling was at best an intuitive process, and translation between Gaelic and English was no more effective. These factors caused an enormous number of spelling variations in Dalriadan names. In fact, it was not uncommon to see a father and son who spelled their name differently. Over the years, McOuat has been spelled MacWatt, MacWattie, MacWatters, MacQuattie, MacVatt and many more.

McOuat Early History

McOuat Early History

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our McOuat research. Another 253 words (18 lines of text) covering the year 1620 is included under the topic Early McOuat History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

McOuat Early Notables (pre 1700)

McOuat Early Notables (pre 1700)

More information is included under the topic Early McOuat Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

McOuat In Ireland

McOuat In Ireland

Some of the McOuat family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt. Another 177 words (13 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

The Great Migration

The Great Migration

Settlers from Scotland put down roots in communities all along the east coast of North Ameri ca. Some moved north from the American colonies to Canada as United Empire Loyalists during the American War of Independence. As Clan societies and highland games started in North America in the 20th century many Scots rediscovered parts of their heritage. Early North American records indicate many people bearing the name McOuat were among those contributors: George McWatters settled in Philadelphia in 1847; B. McWattey settled in San Francisco in 1752; John and Jane McWhatey settled in New York State in 1811.

Contemporary Notables of the name McOuat (post 1700)

Contemporary Notables of the name McOuat (post 1700)

John "Jack" McOuat P.Eng. (1933-2013), Canadian co-founder of Watts, Griffis and McOuat Limited, geological and mining consultants in 1962

The McOuat Family Crest was acquired from the Houseofnames.com archives. The McOuat Family Crest was drawn according to heraldic standards based on published blazons. We generally include the oldest published family crest once associated with each surname.